Fear of the future and longing for the past are major factors which impede appropriate action.

It is a mistake to expect all of our needs to be met by one person or in one relationship. Honor and be grateful for that which you receive. Don't become bitter and spend all your time focusing on that which the person is not able to provide.

We turn pain into suffering by adding on all kinds of beliefs, interpretations and judgments to it.

All experiences are welcomed and fully digested, not judged good or bad.

The best defense against being hurt is to feel good about yourself and the way a person responds to you says more about them, than about you.

Consider for a moment what you pay attention to all day long. What seems important to you, what do you take for granted and hardly attend to at all? Write it down. Do not judge your answers. Be honest and simple. As you keep track all week long, you'll be amazed at what claims your attention, what you give your precious life force to.

Zen practice asks you not to worry about who you 'should' become. Find out who you are right now.